On 20 July, the European Commission adopted a proposal for the continuation of the European Capitals of Culture initiative. The existing scheme runs until 2019 and the new proposal lists the order in which countries will nominate cities to hold the title, up to 2033.

In addition to two Member States sharing the title each year, the proposal suggests that EU candidate or potential candidate countries could also nominate a European Capital of Culture every third year. The plan will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. The final decision on future arrangements is due before the end of 2013.

Since the creation of the title in 1985, 46 cities have been European Capitals of Culture so far. The 2012 European Capitals of Culture are Guimarães (Portugal) and Maribor (Slovenia).